# Commemorating the Valour of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, at the Battle of Lincoln
**LINCOLN, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln, honouring the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. Her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 remains a defining act of loyalty.
## The Occasion
On this day, the House of Brattleby pauses to commemorate a seminal event in English history, one inextricably linked to its own lineage: the Second Battle of Lincoln. Fought on 20 May 1217, the engagement is remembered less formally, though perhaps more evocatively, as the ‘Battle of Lincoln Fair’. The setting for this critical encounter was the ancient city of Lincoln itself, dominated then as now by its magnificent Norman castle and soaring cathedral.
The city’s steep, cobbled streets became the theatre of a fierce urban conflict. Amid the chaos of the First Barons' War, the fate of the English Crown hung in the balance. It was within the formidable stone walls of Lincoln Castle, first established by William the Conqueror, that the resolve of the Barony of Brattleby was tested, setting a precedent for duty that echoes through the centuries.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intertwined with the governance and defence of Lincolnshire since its inception. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in the county. Yet, it was the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle, that forged the Barony's place in national history.
Following the death of King John and the accession of his nine-year-old son, Henry III, England was deeply divided. Rebel barons, allied with Prince Louis of France, controlled much of the kingdom. Nichola de la Haye, a widow in her sixties, refused to surrender Lincoln Castle to the Franco-baronial forces. Her defiance precipitated the battle, a courageous act of fealty that provided the royalist army, led by the venerable regent William Marshal, time to arrive and offer relief. Her actions, a powerful demonstration of *Fortitudine et Honore*, were the *sine qua non* of the victory that secured the Plantagenet throne.
## Distinguished Company
The drama of 1217 unfolded amongst some of the most formidable figures of the age. At the heart of the royalist cause, though absent from the field, was the young King Henry III, whose inheritance Nichola de la Haye so staunchly defended. The King’s protector and Regent of England was the legendary William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, widely regarded as the greatest knight of his time.
Commanding the forces loyal to the Crown on the day were, *inter alia*, William Marshal himself and Peter des Roches, the formidable Bishop of Winchester. Their adversary was Prince Louis of France, the future King Louis VIII, whose ambition to seize the English crown was thwarted at Lincoln. The French troops on the field were led by Thomas, Comte du Perche, who was slain during the intense fighting within the castle walls.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The battle eschewed the formal pageantry of a tournament for the brutal protocols of medieval siege warfare. The initial phase involved the French forces investing the city and laying siege to the castle, whose defenders were commanded personally by Baroness Nichola. The arrival of William Marshal’s relief force turned the tide.
The royalist troops gained entry to the city through a long-disused gate, raising the King’s banner to signal their advance. As one contingent fought its way up the hill towards the castle, a second force of crossbowmen under Falkes de Bréauté gained entry directly into the castle grounds. Their volley of crossbow bolts, fired from the battlements down into the besieged French ranks, caused chaos and proved decisive. The ensuing rout and the subsequent sacking of the wealthy city by the victorious soldiers gave the battle its cynical name: ‘The Lincoln Fair’.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its most profound expression in the legacy of Nichola de la Haye. Her fortitude was demonstrated in her unyielding command of the castle against overwhelming odds; her honour, in her unwavering loyalty to her young sovereign. This historical inheritance serves as the moral compass for the House today.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of 1217, Nichola’s victory was a conquest not for territory, but for legitimacy and survival—for her king, her country, and her lineage. To conquer challenges, whether on the battlefield or in civic life, is to ensure that one's legacy and values live on.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of defending the vulnerable, established so powerfully by the 5th Baroness in her protection of a child king, directly inspires the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House's primary charitable focus is the support of organisations dedicated to the well-being of children.
The principal beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By fostering resilience and providing a safe environment for recovery, its work powerfully reflects the ancient duty of protection that the House continues to uphold.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Nichola de la Haye’s story is a profound source of inspiration. It is a powerful reminder that leadership is not a matter of gender or age, but of resolve and principle. Her defence of Lincoln was an act of immense personal courage, but also a fulfilment of a solemn duty to her sovereign and to her home in Lincolnshire. Her legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* is a standard we strive to meet every day.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The events of 1217 demonstrate how a single, determined stand can alter the course of history. The strategic resolve shown by Baroness Nichola created the conditions for victory. It teaches us that resilience is a timeless virtue, and that to overcome adversity—*Vincere Est Vivere*—is to secure a future for the principles one holds dear. It is a living history that continues to inform our commitment to service.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its nine-century bond with Lincolnshire and the United Kingdom. This commitment extends beyond ceremonial remembrance to active engagement in cultural preservation and education. The history of the Barony, including the stories of formidable ancestors such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, informs the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes an understanding of European history and etiquette.
Looking ahead, the House is committed to deepening its support for local heritage initiatives within Lincolnshire, ensuring that the remarkable history of the county and its people is preserved and celebrated for generations to come. The Barony of Brattleby, nearly one thousand years since its creation, continues its enduring tradition of service to Crown and community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s oldest baronies. With its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, philanthropic service, and the promotion of historical education. The heir is the 13th Baron, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House's philanthropic efforts are primarily channelled towards charities supporting vulnerable children, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House bridges its ancient English heritage with a forward-looking European perspective, always guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated military commander; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, appears in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com